As I’ve discussed in previous posts, one of the first choices I make in designing baby clothes is the yarn choice, both in terms of thickness and fiber (as well as color and price). But, hand in hand with these choices is a consideration of what it is you want to design and make. Oh, and of course, whether you want to crochet or knit (or maybe even both!).
Over the years, I’ve usually made a hat and booties as a baby shower gift because they’re the first items that baby is going to need in those first few months and estimating the right sizing is not as difficult. A blanket is a good choice too, if you have the time to make it (and we’ll talk about blankets and timing of projects in a future post). As baby grows and develops a personality, then it becomes easier to plan out more elaborate projects, like sweaters, other garments, and toys as well.
Hats are easier than booties, so let’s start there. First, what kind of hat do you want to make? There are a lot of different styles, but here are a few that are perfect for baby:
1. The beanie - a great choice for baby because it’s easy to get on and off, and it can be adjusted to fit snugly around baby’s head while leaving some room for growth. Beanies are also great during the creative process because you can use a wide range of rib and stitch patterns, from basic to complex. Beanies are usually knitted, but there are crochet versions that can work out nicely too.
2. The ear flap hat - this hat type is similar to the beanie but has flaps that come down over the ears to provide extra warmth and protection from the cold. Shaping can be a bit of a design challenge, but the ear flap hat is a great choice for crocheters because it’s a more structured hat that’s easier to shape using crochet techniques. Plus, it’s fun to embellish the hat with braids, tassels, or Pom Poms!
3. The baby bonnet - if you're looking for a traditional style of baby hat, the bonnet is perfect for both crocheters and knitters. This type of hat covers the head and ties under the chin, often made with a delicate lace or cable pattern, though simple, sturdy versions are available as well.
4. The beret or tam - for a bit of baby flare, the beret or tam is a statement piece that's worn slouchy or slanted on the head. For this hat, you'll want to use a lighter weight yarn to create a relaxed fabric with drape, and you might want to use some novelty yarns for extra fluff. This hat works up well in either crochet or knit.
5. The newsboy cap - another great hat type for baby is the newsboy cap, which has a rounded crown and a visor. It's more structured and gives the opportunity to use a textured pattern, like basketweave or herringbone, to create a warm and protective hat. It’s a great project for a crocheter, but there are knit versions as well.
If you're a beginner to intermediate crocheter, I'd suggest going with the baby bonnet or beret; for knitters, the beanie or bonnet are good choices. In my next post, we'll talk about making some final decisions on yarn and type of hat; then, we’ll start facing some new decisions to make. We'll also start talking about sizing and how to take or estimate measurements.
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